How does my hip work?

The hip is one of the main weight-bearing joints in your body. It consists of two main parts:

A ball (femoral head) at the top of your thighbone (femur)

A rounded socket (acetabulum) in your pelvis

Bands of tissue called ligaments connect the ball to the socket, and help keep the ball and socket steady. A smooth, tough material (called articular cartilage) cushions the bones and helps them move easily. This covers the surfaces of the ball and socket.

A thin, smooth tissue liner (called synovial membrane) covers the rest of the surfaces of the hip joint. This creates a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant, keeping the bones in the hip joint from rubbing against each other.

Information displayed on this site is intended for Australian residents only and is not designed to replace the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional. If you are experiencing joint pain, see your doctor. There are a number of treatment options that he/she may recommend ( other than joint replacement). Your doctor will advise you whether joint replacement is suitable for your condition.